Left Hip Replacement and Golf

[yankee777]

Had a left hip replaced 2 wks ago and am doing rehab. Live in RI so I don't plan on playing until April . I am 68 , in good shape , 20 handicap , Because of pain , this summer I went to an earlier wrist cock swing , and hit it pretty well . Any hints on the best type of swing post surgery . Im thinking just let hips rotate naturally  vs X factor  type restriction on hip turn. Dont want to screw up the new hip . Thanks

[Patch]

My pat answer is start by asking your doctor, maybe even your rehab person what your golf future might be. If not those two, seek out an orthopedic sports specialist for a consult. I'd also recommend, as a last resort, searches on the internet for your precise situation. Any info you find on the net, that sounds good, should also be discussed with your medical professional.

Although I have no joint replacements, I do have various screws, rods and plates holding most of my left side joints together. I had to change my swing a little so as not to cause any normal golf swing stress on those joints. That was a trial, and error learning experience for me, and my doctors. When new, the joints could handle a normal swing, but, as much as I play, the wear, and tear would happen way to fast resulting in another repair. Another repair would tend weaken the joint even further. The two joints I have to protect the most are my left wrist, and elbow. 

The fix for me was a slower full swing, no more full swing divots with my irons, and basically letting my left side do less in my golf swing. I just let my left side react to my swing how "it" wants too. 

I also went with a different bag make up using more metal woods, and fewer irons. The metal woods allowed for a easier, less jarring, more sweeping swing. I can honestly see adding a 9W to my golfing future. 

 

 

[bkuehn1952]

@Patch provides solid advice.  For what it is worth, my father had his first hole-in-one after hip replacement.  Good luck with your rehab.

[woodzie264]

Anterior or posterior approach? It'll make a difference on how soon you can take full swings, but either way you'll be fine to play by April. I am not your surgeon and don't know the specifics of your surgery, but if things went in standard fashion, as an orthopedic PA, I suspect you'll be thrilled with it. 

You will likely not have all your strength back by April, but from a safety standpoint, you'll be fine by then. 

If you had an anterior approach, I'm pretty sure your doc will let you go back to chipping & putting fairly quickly.  

[yankee777]

thanks all . It was an anterior surgery 

[NM Golf]

A couple guys who work with me at the course have had hip replacement. I asked one of them about your question and he said once he rehabbed it the doctor released him to play no restrictions. He added that he actually dropped a few strokes off the handicap because he was able to swing pain free for the first time in years. So good luck, work hard on that rehab and  hopefully you're a 17 handicap this time next year. 😀

Edited December 3, 2018 by NM Golf

[yankee777]

Thanks NM for the encouraging words

[foxhole88]

Also had a left hip replacement (at age 40) and was very surprised with how much further i was able to hit the ball from the tee.  Didnt realize how weak my left leg was prior to the replacement.  Soon after surgery and initial rehab i found i was hitting it off the tee 20+ yards.  Being able to use 2 legs at 100% during a swing was a big difference. 

[Buckeyebowman]

2 hours ago, foxhole88 said:

Also had a left hip replacement (at age 40) and was very surprised with how much further i was able to hit the ball from the tee.  Didnt realize how weak my left leg was prior to the replacement.  Soon after surgery and initial rehab i found i was hitting it off the tee 20+ yards.  Being able to use 2 legs at 100% during a swing was a big difference. 

This is a terrific post. When you have something wrong with one joint, it will affect others, and muscle groups attached to the bad joint as well. 

Years ago I played in a league with a guy who was a terrific golfer despite an abbreviated backswing. Big, strong guy built like John Rahm. Turns out that, back in the day, he was on Youngstown State Univ's golf team and had dreams of someday trying to turn pro. Something happened to his ribs, I don't remember what, but the point is he thought he knew more than his doctor and therapists! He went back to the game too soon, and his ribs didn't heal properly. 

I have no doubt you can return to the game, just don't get in too much of a hurry. Follow their timetable.

[colin007]

On 12/2/2018 at 9:00 AM, yankee777 said:

Had a left hip replaced 2 wks ago and am doing rehab. Live in RI so I don't plan on playing until April . I am 68 , in good shape , 20 handicap , Because of pain , this summer I went to an earlier wrist cock swing , and hit it pretty well . Any hints on the best type of swing post surgery . Im thinking just let hips rotate naturally  vs X factor  type restriction on hip turn. Dont want to screw up the new hip . Thanks

Restriction of the hip turn isn't generally a good idea for anyone, hip replaced or not.